> under the illusion that because their client group all have Office that it
> is ok to serve up Office files rather than html pages. I need a solid
> argument why they can't do this .
You do realise that you are teaching these students that Microsoft
Office is the correct way to present material, so they are not
going to use accessible technology when they start publishing internet
resources. Schools and students get this sort of software cheaply
precisely to produce a work force that naturally turns to those
products, and is most productive for employers when using such
products.
Educators have a duty to go beyond short term job market considerations,
even if parents only care about the job market and not education.